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Researchers, policymakers and fertiliser industry stakeholders have called for soil-specific fertiliser recommendations to improve agricultural productivity and food security, warning that applying more fertiliser does not necessarily translate into higher crop yields.

They made the suggestion at a two-day Technical Workshop on Strategic Phosphorus Use in Nigeria, held in Abuja, with participants exploring ways to improve fertiliser efficiency through better soil data, locally adapted nutrient recommendations and coordinated investments.

With the theme: ‘Phosphorus and Food Security: Challenges in Food Production Systems in Nigeria,’ the workshop brought together agricultural researchers, policymakers, fertiliser manufacturers, regulators and development partners to address persistent soil-fertility and fertiliser-use challenges.

Evidence presented by the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel showed that phosphorus requirements for maize and rice could range from zero to more than 60 kilogrammes of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) per hectare within the same target area in northern Nigeria.

The findings, based on the Hub’s 2025 site-specific nutrient recommendations, highlighted the limitations of applying uniform fertilizer rates across different soil conditions and crop-production environments.

While phosphorus is essential for root development, crop growth and grain formation, its inadequate application can restrict productivity, while excessive use can raise farmers’ production costs without delivering corresponding yield increases.

Speaking on the need to translate research into practical agricultural decisions, Senior Agronomist at the Regional Hub, Dr Bello Muhammad Shehu, said improving phosphorus management required more than increasing fertiliser application.

‘It is about understanding what different soils and crops need and ensuring that farmers have access to the right products and best advice,’ Shehu said.

He explained that better soil information, locally adapted nutrient recommendations and digital advisory tools could improve fertiliser-use efficiency, adding that the next step was connecting scientific evidence with policy, industry and agricultural extension systems.

Also, a visiting scientist with the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Professor Jibrin Mohammed, said research, digital technology and soil information were fundamental to achieving food security amid Nigeria’s growing population.

Mohammed, a professor of Soil Science at Bayero University, Kano, said understanding soil conditions was essential to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring the production of nutritious food.

He explained that farmers and agricultural policymakers needed reliable information on what the soil could supply and the nutrients required to improve its productivity.

According to him, advances in technology, including artificial intelligence, are making it easier to obtain more precise soil information on a larger scale, thereby improving the quality of agricultural recommendations.

‘The basis of food production and food security is the soil. You need a healthy soil for you to produce well and to feed the nation with nutritious food. And to do that, you need soil intelligence,’ he said.

On the policy and investment measures required to strengthen soil health management, Mohammed said Nigeria was making progress through initiatives aligned with continental and regional frameworks.

He identified the African Fertiliaer and Soil Health Action Plan and the Economic Community of West African States’ Fertiliser Priority Actions as key frameworks guiding efforts to improve fertiliser use and soil health, noting that the Regional Hub emerged from these broader initiatives.

At the national level, the don cited the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as an umbrella programme designed to improve soil intelligence, provide better recommendations and advice to farmers, and promote coordination among stakeholders.

The workshop builds on a national phosphorus dialogue held in October 2025, which identified constraints including limited soil testing, generalised fertilizer recommendations, concerns over fertilizer quality, inadequate extension services and weak stakeholder coordination.

The dialogue also endorsed the establishment of the Nigeria Fertilizer Phosphorus Network, with its secretariat hosted by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IARandT).

The Federal Government will sustain its economic reforms and will not return to subsidy, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said on Monday in Abuja.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bagudu spoke at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, themed ‘Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity.’

He said the reforms were aimed at stabilising the economy, improving productivity, creating jobs and expanding prosperity for Nigerians.

‘There will be no return to subsidy. We recognise the need to calibrate and do better,’ Bagudu said.

He said the administration remained committed to reforms while strengthening domestic production, expanding infrastructure and addressing poverty.

According to him, Nigeria’s economy has recorded positive growth for two consecutive quarters, while inflation and interest rates were declining.

Bagudu said revenue allocations to federal, state and local governments had increased, with some states and local governments recording more than fivefold increases in monthly revenue.

He attributed the increase to the distribution of revenue among the three tiers of government to support their constitutional responsibilities.

The minister said the government was targeting a one-trillion-dollar economy, adding that achieving the goal required sustained growth and broader participation in economic activities.

He said President Bola Tinubu had challenged the administration to pursue an economy that included everyone and generated greater prosperity.

Bagudu said cooperation among federal, state and local governments was critical to coordinating fiscal and monetary policies and improving spending on security and infrastructure.

He said the government was also prioritising grassroots development, skills acquisition, early childhood development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The minister disclosed that more than six billion dollars had been mobilised from the World Bank and other development partners to strengthen household resilience and economic opportunities.

He said improved agricultural productivity and support for domestic production would be essential to creating jobs, raising incomes and improving livelihoods.

Bagudu stressed the importance of an effective private sector, saying investors needed confidence in the economy to expand businesses, increase productivity and generate employment.

He said the government would continue implementing reforms while adjusting policies to address poverty and improve economic outcomes.

‘We are staying the course,’ Bagudu said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to its reform agenda.

He urged Nigerians to recognise the achievements recorded so far and support efforts to sustain the reforms.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has urged individuals and businesses to comply voluntarily with the new tax laws, emphasising the need for public awareness, accurate information and a clear understanding of the reforms.

The service said providing clear guidance on tax obligations, available reliefs and applicable procedures would ease taxpayers’ concerns, prevent avoidable disputes and build public confidence in the tax system.

Alhaji Ismail Abdullahi, the NRS state administrator for Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states, made the call during an engagement with taxpayers and other stakeholders to discuss the implications of the new tax laws for businesses, households, states and local governments.

The discussions addressed concerns about whether banks could automatically deduct taxes from personal accounts, whether loans and money received from relatives would be considered taxable income, and how the reforms could affect small businesses.

Abdullahi acknowledged the concerns, urging taxpayers to rely on accurate information about the laws and the procedures governing tax enforcement.

He said the new tax regime did not, in itself, authorise the automatic deduction of taxes from personal bank accounts, adding that tax collection and recovery must comply with applicable laws and procedures.

He also clarified that the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remained 7.5 per cent.

On business transactions, the NRS explained that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as sales revenue or profit. It stressed that proper documentation was necessary to establish the nature of financial transactions.

‘For instance, if a trader receives N500,000 as a loan, the amount should not automatically be treated as sales or profit. Proper documentation is necessary to establish the nature of the transaction,’ he said.

The service urged taxpayers to maintain accurate financial records to support proper tax assessments and reduce avoidable disputes with tax authorities.

It also advised individuals and businesses to familiarise themselves with the tax provisions relevant to their activities, identify eligible reliefs, keep appropriate records and seek clarification from the relevant authorities when necessary.

Abdullahi further stressed the importance of understanding taxpayers’ rights, including the procedures for challenging tax assessments or decisions.

The engagement focused on three areas: the provisions of the new tax laws affecting companies, individuals and businesses; practical steps for achieving voluntary compliance; and measures to close the tax compliance gap through improved taxpayer services.

On compliance, Abdullahi highlighted the need for proper registration, accurate record-keeping, transaction reconciliation, timely filing of returns, payment of taxes and prompt responses to official correspondence.

The third area examined the difficulties taxpayers face in meeting their obligations and explored ways to improve service delivery and make compliance easier.

Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and identify challenges associated with meeting tax obligations, including conflicting interpretations of the laws and difficulties with digital tax processes.

The NRS official said feedback from taxpayers would help the service identify gaps, improve its procedures and provide more accessible support to individuals and businesses.

The service reiterated that effective tax administration required shared responsibility, with the NRS providing clear guidance, consistent treatment and accessible assistance, while taxpayers supplied accurate information, maintained proper records and met their obligations within stipulated deadlines.

Abdullahi expressed optimism that improved public understanding, transparent procedures and responsive taxpayer services would strengthen public trust, encourage voluntary compliance and improve the effectiveness of Nigeria’s tax administration system.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to urgently investigate a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants threatening attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.

The association condemned the video, calling the threats alarming and unacceptable, and urged authorities to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, warning that threats of religious violence must not be dismissed as harmless chants or youthful exuberance.

The association said the apparent involvement of children and young people in chants calling for the use of AK-47 rifles against Christian worshippers raised serious concerns about the promotion of religious hatred among the younger generation.

‘No Nigerian should have to fear for their life because of their faith or face the prospect of violence simply for gathering to worship God,’ the statement said.

CAN urged security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those featured in it and determine the individuals or groups that may have organised or facilitated the activity.

It also called on the authorities to assess credible security threats arising from the video and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.

The association stressed that Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attacks or intimidation.

While acknowledging the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) ‘s reported disavowal of the video, CAN said an independent investigation remained necessary to establish the facts.

According to the association, the denial of responsibility by any organisation should not prevent investigators from determining the identities of those involved, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate commencement of negotiations on a new national minimum wage, insisting that rising inflation, the declining value of the naira and increasing living costs have eroded the benefits of the current ?70,000 minimum wage.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of an investigative research report on minimum wage and pension payment compliance in Nigeria, conducted in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria.

Ajaero argued that negotiations should begin immediately rather than wait until August, as suggested by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), stressing that current economic realities and the three-year wage review cycle made early discussions necessary.

He explained that the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024 increased the minimum wage from ?30,000 to ?70,000 and reduced the review period from five years to three years.

According to him, the implementation date of the existing law remained unchanged, making it necessary to begin negotiations ahead of the next review deadline to avoid delays similar to those experienced during previous wage negotiations.

‘The time to start negotiation, which in most cases lasts about six months, is now,’ Ajaero said, insisting that workers could not afford another prolonged negotiation process.

He clarified that the differing positions of the NLC and TUC on the timing of negotiations did not indicate a division within the labour movement but reflected different approaches to achieving improved conditions for workers.

The NLC president, however, warned that increasing the minimum wage alone would not significantly improve workers’ welfare unless the government also addressed inflation and the depreciation of the naira.

He said that even a substantial increase to ?500,000 would amount to little if the prices of essential goods and services continued to rise unchecked.

According to Ajaero, restoring workers’ purchasing power through economic stabilisation and currency appreciation could be more meaningful than continually increasing nominal wages.

He also called for an interim financial relief package to support workers while preparations for the next minimum wage negotiations continued. He recalled that a ?35,000 wage award had previously helped workers cope with the transition to the current minimum wage.

Ajaero urged the government to include minimum pension payments in the forthcoming minimum wage negotiations, arguing that retirees were among those worst affected by Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

He said some pensioners received as little as ?20,000 or ?30,000 monthly, leaving them unable to meet basic needs such as accommodation, transportation and food.

The labour leader maintained that minimum pension provisions should be considered alongside minimum wage adjustments to ensure that retired workers were not left behind.

He called for measures to guarantee that pensioners under both the defined-benefit and contributory pension schemes received adequate retirement benefits. He further urged the government to use increased revenue from crude oil exports to provide relief for Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living.

He noted that higher petroleum prices had significantly increased transportation, food and other household expenses, eroding the gains from the current minimum wage.

The NLC president maintained that the minimum wage debate should extend beyond public servants to cover workers in the organised private sector and the informal economy, including artisans, hairdressers and other self-employed Nigerians.

Earlier, in his welcome address, ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Dr Andrew Mamedu, supported the call for early negotiations, describing the timing of the research as critical to shaping discussions on the next minimum wage.

Mamedu said waiting until the current three-year review period had elapsed before beginning negotiations could undermine efforts to secure better wages for millions of Nigerians.

He argued that while some macroeconomic indicators might suggest improvement, the everyday experiences of Nigerians continued to reflect significant economic hardship.

According to him, minimum wage compliance affected not only unionised workers but also employees in the private sector and millions of other Nigerians covered by the relevant wage laws.

Mamedu said ActionAid Nigeria was committed to helping lift five million people out of poverty and believed that the payment of decent wages could contribute significantly to achieving that objective.

He explained that the organisation partnered with the NLC to investigate the implementation of minimum wage provisions across the country after concerns emerged over persistent non-compliance with previous wage increases.

Presenting the research findings, Dr Terfa Abraham said that despite increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to states, full compliance with minimum wage requirements remained a challenge across state and local governments, as well as some federal agencies.

He attributed the varying levels of compliance, particularly at the state and local government levels, to weak political commitment and the failure of some governments to prioritise wage obligations in their public spending.

Abraham also identified inflationary pressures and the harsh effects of economic reforms as factors contributing to the problem, noting that increased revenue allocations had not necessarily translated into adequate spending on workers’ wages.

The findings highlighted the gap between government revenue and the fulfilment of statutory wage obligations, raising concerns about the welfare of workers and pensioners amid persistent economic pressures.

The report underscored the need for stronger political will, improved monitoring of compliance and more deliberate prioritisation of wage and pension payments by the relevant tiers of government.

The NLC and ActionAid Nigeria maintained that the findings should inform the next minimum wage negotiations and drive stronger accountability in the payment of wages and pensions across the country.

THE contest to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde is taking shape, with the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Sharafadeen Alli, Allied People’s Movement (APM)’s Abimbola Adekanmbi, Accord’s Oriyomi Hamzat and 13 other candidates preparing for a high-stakes battle over the future of Oyo State.

The race will test Makinde’s ability to transfer his political influence to a successor, the APC’s determination to reclaim power and the capacity of smaller parties to challenge the established political order.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released its final list of 16 governorship candidates on October 10, 2026, formally identifying the contenders for the contest to occupy the Agodi Government House after the 2027 general election.

What initially appeared to be a familiar contest between the ruling political establishment and an opposition seeking to dislodge it has developed into a more complicated struggle involving party realignments, competing ambitions, questions of succession, political loyalties and the search for a credible alternative.

At the centre of the unfolding drama is Makinde, who is approaching the end of his second term and cannot seek another consecutive term as governor. His political future, including his presidential ambition on the platform of the APM, has added a national dimension to the struggle for control of Oyo State.

Yet, beyond the personalities and party platforms, the election will ultimately test whether political popularity can be transferred, whether a divided opposition can unite around a common objective and whether voters will prioritise continuity, change or a fresh political direction.

The succession question: Can Makinde determine what comes next?

For Makinde, the 2027 election presents a significant political test: whether the influence accumulated over eight years in office can help determine who succeeds him.

Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, Oyo State has developed a reputation for rejecting the preferred successors of outgoing governors. Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi failed to secure victory for his preferred candidate, Adebayo Adelabu, in 2019, when Makinde defeated him. Makinde now faces the challenge of avoiding a similar outcome as he prepares to leave office.

His preferred successor is Abimbola Adekanmbi, a former commissioner for finance in the state, who is contesting under the APM rather than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which Makinde won the governorship in 2019 and 2023.

The decision to pursue the succession project through the APM has altered the political calculations in the state. It raises questions about how much of the existing governing structure will move with the governor, how effectively the new platform can establish itself across Oyo’s 33 local government areas and whether voters will view Adekanmbi as an independent candidate or principally as the choice of the outgoing administration.

The challenge is not simply to present a candidate with experience in government. It is to convert the governor’s political network, record and electoral support into a winning coalition under a different party identity.

Adekanmbi has presented himself as a candidate who can build on the administration’s record while maintaining his own political identity.

His campaign will need to persuade voters that continuity offers tangible benefits, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic development and governance.

At the same time, the APM must demonstrate that it can compete beyond the political influence of the governor who has made it central to his succession plans.

Makinde’s presidential ambition could further complicate the exercise. A successful transfer of power in Oyo would strengthen his political standing nationally, while a defeat for his preferred successor could expose the limitations of his influence beyond his own tenure.

Alli and the APC: The challenge of turning opposition into victory

Senator Alli enters the race as the APC’s governorship candidate, with the party seeking to return to power in Oyo after eight years in opposition.

His challenge is to unite competing party interests, consolidate grassroots support and convince voters that his administration would offer a credible alternative to the outgoing government.

The APC presents one of the strongest organisational challenges to Makinde’s succession project. Its national platform, established political network and presence across the state’s three senatorial districts give it a substantial base from which to campaign.

Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate, has outlined priorities including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, security, economic empowerment and local government administration.

His campaign platform also emphasises inclusive governance and measurable public service delivery.

However, the APC’s principal challenge is internal cohesion.

The contest for the party’s governorship ticket brought several prominent figures into competition, including former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and other influential politicians.

Although Alli emerged as the candidate, the ability to bring the various tendencies together behind him will be a critical determinant of the party’s prospects.

Party unity cannot be measured merely by public endorsements or appearances at campaign events. It will depend on whether influential leaders deploy their structures, mobilise supporters and work together across local government areas.

Alli must also define his campaign beyond opposition to Makinde. While the incumbent’s record will inevitably feature in the contest, voters will want to know what the senator intends to do differently, how he plans to finance his promises and what measurable improvements residents should expect.

The APC candidate’s performance in the three senatorial districts will be particularly important.

A strong showing in Ibadan does not automatically guarantee success in Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa, where local political interests and candidate appeal can shape voting patterns.

For Alli, therefore, the challenge is twofold: consolidate the APC’s traditional support and attract voters who may be dissatisfied with the current administration but are not automatically committed to the opposition.

Adekambi and the APM: A test of continuity

Adekanmbi, although backed by Makinde’s political camp, his candidacy places continuity, experience in government and the outgoing governor’s political legacy at the centre of the election.

Adekanmbi’s emergence has changed the character of the succession contest.

Rather than remain within the PDP, Makinde’s camp is seeking to establish the APM as the vehicle for its 2027 political project.

His experience in public finance provides a basis for discussing budgeting, revenue generation, expenditure management and economic planning. But experience alone will not settle the election.

His campaign must explain how that experience would translate into improved living standards, better public services and stronger economic opportunities across the state.

The central question is whether voters will regard him as the candidate best placed to sustain the administration’s policies or as a symbol of an outgoing government seeking to retain influence.

Continuity can be an advantage when voters believe an administration has delivered meaningful improvements. It can become a liability when they want a change of direction or associate the government with unresolved problems.

Adekanmbi will consequently need to establish a political identity that extends beyond his relationship with Makinde.

The outgoing governor’s endorsement may provide access to an established political network, but it cannot automatically transfer the personal choices of voters.

The campaign must still earn support in communities where economic pressures, local development needs and individual political loyalties may differ.

Makinde’s political ambition also adds another layer to the equation. If Adekanmbi succeeds, it could strengthen the governor’s influence as he moves towards national politics. If he fails, the result could raise questions about the durability of the political structure built during Makinde’s tenure.

Accord and Oriyomi Hamzat: Can popularity become political power?

Hamzat’s candidacy introduces a prominent media personality into the governorship contest. His challenge is to translate public recognition and his existing support base into the political organisation required to compete across the state.

Hamzat’s presence means the contest cannot be understood solely through the rivalry between the APC and APM.

His profile as a broadcaster gives him a degree of public visibility that many candidates must work hard to establish. Yet, name recognition and electoral strength are not the same thing.

A successful governorship campaign requires more than an audience. It demands ward-level organisation, credible agents, effective coordination, fundraising, a policy programme and the capacity to reach voters across all 33 local government areas.

Hamzat must also demonstrate how his candidacy would address the practical challenges facing residents, from the cost of living and employment to security, education, healthcare and local infrastructure.

Accord’s performance in Oyo will be watched closely because it offers another platform through which voters can express their preferences outside the two leading political camps.

The party’s prospects will depend on its ability to build a statewide coalition rather than rely on visibility concentrated in particular communities or among specific groups of supporters.

Hamzat’s emergence also creates a potential complication for the larger parties. A candidate who attracts voters seeking an alternative could affect the distribution of votes even without becoming the leading contender.

The extent of that influence, however, will depend on campaign organisation, the issues raised during the election and the level of support the candidate can sustain beyond his established audience.

Gbolarumi and the PDP: Rebuilding a traditional political platform

Hazeem Gbolarumi represents the PDP. His candidacy raises questions about the party’s ability to retain its identity and electoral base after the incumbent’s succession project moved to the APM.

The PDP faces a particularly difficult political calculation. It remains an established party in Oyo, with a history of electoral competition and an existing political network. Yet the movement of Makinde’s succession project to the APM creates a challenge for the party’s position in the state.

Gbolarumi’s task will be to show that the PDP remains a viable choice in its own right rather than a party whose electoral relevance depends entirely on the incumbent governor.

That will require a clear message, effective organisation and the ability to appeal to party loyalists as well as voters who may be looking for an alternative to both the APC and APM.

The party’s performance could also influence the wider contest. A well-organised PDP campaign could attract voters who might otherwise gravitate towards another opposition platform, while a weak showing could leave its supporters divided among competing candidates.

The broader issue is whether the PDP can convert its historical presence into a competitive campaign under the changed circumstances of 2027.

ADC, NDC and the other contenders: The wider field

Beyond the four principal names, the other candidates will seek to establish their relevance through distinct political messages, local networks and appeals to voters dissatisfied with the established parties.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), represented by Adegboyega Adegoke, is one of the platforms to watch as opposition politics evolves ahead of 2027.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), under Yusuf, also enters the contest with an opportunity to present itself as an alternative to the better-established parties.

The Labour Party (LP), which attracted considerable national attention during the 2023 elections, will be seeking to determine whether it can sustain and convert that wider political recognition into support in Oyo.

The remaining parties face similar challenges: distinguishing their candidates from the leading contenders, developing credible programmes and persuading voters that their platforms offer practical answers to the state’s problems.

Former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr Richard Aisuebeogun, has identified fuel price volatility, foreign-exchange fluctuations and disruptions in global supply chains as major factors exposing airlines to operational and financial risks, warning that these challenges could increase airfares, disrupt flight schedules and weaken connectivity.

Aisuebeogun, who spoke in a paper titled ‘Navigating Global Disruptions and the Road Ahead: Mobility, Energy and Trade Facilitation for a Resilient Future,’ presented at the second edition of Transport Summit 2026, organised by JustAlive Communications Limited recently, called for stronger supply-chain management, strategic fuel infrastructure and the development of domestic technical capabilities to improve aviation resilience.

He explained that airlines operate within a cost-intensive environment in which fuel, aircraft leasing, insurance, maintenance and other essential inputs are significantly exposed to international market conditions and foreign-currency obligations.

According to him, fluctuations in energy prices and disruptions in fuel supply can affect airline operating costs, while foreign-exchange volatility increases the cost of maintaining aircraft, acquiring spare parts and financing fleet expansion.

These pressures, he noted, could constrain investment, delay equipment replacement, increase ticket prices, reduce flight frequency and undermine operational reliability.

Explaining further, he stressed that ‘conflicts in major energy-producing regions and along important international trade routes can increase the cost of fuel, insurance, shipping, and imported transport inputs. For a country whose transport operators depend on petroleum products and imported technical equipment, these changes can quickly affect service delivery’.

Aisuebeogun stressed that energy security was fundamental to the resilience of the transport sector, particularly aviation, where fuel availability and affordability directly influence service delivery.

‘Strategic fuel infrastructure is therefore essential for national resilience,’ he stated.

Aisuebeogun identified fuel price fluctuations and supply interruptions as significant risks to transport operations, noting that airlines require reliable access to aviation fuel to maintain schedules and sustain commercial operations.

He explained that disruptions in fuel availability or sharp increases in prices could trigger flight delays and cancellations, increase operating expenditure and place additional pressure on airfares.

‘Rising energy costs can translate into higher fares and freight charges, which ultimately increase the cost of food, manufactured goods, and other essential consumer commodities’.

‘The aviation industry perhaps demonstrates the importance of energy security. Fuel costs often represent a significant proportion of airline operating expenses. Disruptions in fuel supply can lead to: Flight delays or even cancellations; Increased ticket prices; reduced connectivity; economic losses. strategic fuel infrastructure is therefore essential for national resilience,’ he said.

He consequently advocated strategic fuel infrastructure, diversified sourcing arrangements and improved supply-chain risk management to reduce exposure to external disruptions.